How Long Can You Have a Check Before Cashing It?
Gain clarity on check validity periods. Understand how long you can hold different types of checks and manage uncashed funds.
A frequent question arises regarding check validity: how long can a check be held before it loses its ability to be cashed? The answer is not always straightforward, as the lifespan of a check can vary depending on its type and the policies governing financial institutions.
Standard Validity Periods
Most personal and business checks generally adhere to a standard validity period. These checks are typically considered valid for six months, or 180 days, from the date they are issued. After this period, a check is often deemed “stale-dated.”
The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) plays a role in this standard. UCC Section 4-404 states that a bank is under no obligation to pay a check, other than a certified check, that is presented more than six months after its date. However, this provision grants banks discretion; it does not legally void the check. A bank may, in good faith, still choose to honor a stale-dated check if the funds are available and the account remains active.
Despite the six-month guideline, some personal or business checks might have phrases like “void after 90 days” printed on them. This is typically a measure by the issuer to encourage prompt cashing or deposit, but most banks will still honor such checks for the full 180-day period. It is generally advisable to deposit or cash checks as soon as possible to avoid potential issues, such as changes in account status or the issuer forgetting about the outstanding payment.
Specific Check Types and Their Limitations
The validity period of a check is not uniform across all types, with specific categories having distinct limitations. Government checks often have a longer, legally mandated validity.
For instance, checks issued by the U.S. Treasury, which include federal tax refunds and Social Security benefits, are valid for one year from their issue date. If a U.S. Treasury check passes this one-year mark, the funds are still owed, but a new check must be requested from the issuing agency. State and local government checks also typically have validity periods ranging from six months to a year, depending on the specific state laws.
Cashier’s checks and certified checks operate differently due to their nature as guaranteed funds. A cashier’s check is drawn directly from the bank’s own funds, while a certified check has the funds set aside by the bank from the customer’s account at the time of certification. These types of checks generally do not have a strict expiration date, or they may have a much longer validity period, often considered indefinite or until the funds are claimed. While some cashier’s checks might have “void after X days” printed on them, indicating a period like 60, 90, or 180 days, the underlying funds are still held by the bank and are subject to unclaimed property laws if not cashed.
Handling Expired or Stale-Dated Checks
If you find yourself holding a check that is old or appears stale-dated, the initial step should be to contact the check issuer. Requesting a new check is often the most straightforward solution, ensuring the funds can be accessed without issue. This is particularly relevant for personal or business checks where the original check might be refused by a bank.
Attempting to cash such a check carries the risk of it being returned unpaid, which could potentially incur fees for the recipient. It is advisable to consult with your bank about their specific policy for processing older checks.
For checks that remain uncashed for an extended period, the funds may eventually be subject to escheatment. This legal process involves transferring unclaimed property, including uncashed checks, to the state government. Each state has its own dormancy period, which can range from typically three to five years, before funds are escheated. If funds have been escheated, you can generally search for and claim them through your state’s unclaimed property office, often accessible via free online databases provided by state treasurers or organizations like the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA).